“Servicewomen in combat roles have consistently proven their capability by meeting the exact same unchanged, rigorous standards as their male peers. Re-examining these settled integration standards in secret distracts from military readiness and undermines the thousands of women serving with distinction,” said Elisa Cardnell, chief executive officer, SWAN. “The Department of Defense owes servicewomen and the public full transparency about why this study was ordered and how its findings will be used."

“Excluding qualified women from ground combat would make our military weaker, not stronger,” said Elisa Cardnell, chief executive officer, SWAN. “Women have always served with distinction on the front lines. Since formally being integrated into combat jobs, they have excelled in some of the military’s most demanding roles, brought critical operational experience and capabilities to missions around the world, and strengthened recruitment and retention. Every qualified servicemember should have the opportunity to earn their place and serve.”

Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) strongly opposes the Department of Defense’s newly announced review of women’s service in ground combat arms roles, a move that reopens a question settled nearly a decade ago through extensive research, operational experience, and the proven service of thousands of women in uniform.